Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry faced heavy criticism for a photo he posted on social media showing him giving a thumbs-up and smiling outside a pricey steak restaurant just hours after a deadly terror attack in New Orleans. The attack, carried out by an ISIS-supporting terrorist, left 14 people dead in the city’s French Quarter. In the photo, Landry is seen posing with restaurant employees at Bon Ton Prime Rib, just blocks away from where the attack took place. Despite the tragedy, Landry captioned the photo expressing his pride in being part of the resilient city.
The backlash against the governor was immediate, with many social media users condemning him for appearing to be insensitive and tone-deaf to the suffering of the victims’ families. Criticism ranged from questioning his choice to dine at an expensive restaurant while families were mourning to urging him to focus on supporting those affected by the attack. Despite Landry’s efforts to assure the public of New Orleans’ safety and resilience, many felt that his actions did not align with the seriousness of the situation and the need for support and empathy in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Critics highlighted the expensive menu at the restaurant, where a 14-ounce New York strip steak goes for $64 and crab cakes are listed at $49, with the most expensive bottle of red wine costing $1,900. Some pointed out that rather than indulging in a lavish meal, Landry should have been prioritizing the needs of the victims’ families and injured individuals, as well as holding authorities accountable for providing accurate information. Accusations of cowardice and a lack of respect for the victims and their families were common themes in the criticism directed at the governor.
Despite Landry’s attempt to showcase his support for local businesses in the wake of the tragedy, many felt that his actions were misguided and misplaced. Critics questioned the appropriateness of enjoying an expensive meal and posting photos of the outing while the city was still reeling from the terror attack. Calls for Landry to redirect his focus towards offering support and compassion to those affected by the tragedy were prevalent, with many expressing disappointment in his priorities and perceived lack of empathy.
As investigations into the New Orleans terror attack unfolded and details about the perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native and military veteran, came to light, the backlash against Landry continued. Jabbar had used a pickup truck to ram into revelers on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day before being shot and killed by police. As the community grappled with the aftermath of the attack, criticism of Landry’s actions persisted, with many questioning his judgment and priorities in the face of tragedy. The incident underscored the challenges public officials face in balancing their roles as leaders and the expectations of their constituents during times of crisis.
